Hornblower Cruises, Niagara Falls – Definitely the Way to Get Wet!

Just recently I had an opportunity to admire Horseshoe Falls aboard the Hornblower Cruise in Niagara Falls. The boat tour company serving Niagara Falls, Canada, changed name and type of boats four years ago, from the Maid Of The Mist Boat Tours to the Hornblower Boat Tours Company. The new boats are bigger, they carry 700 passengers and offer a smoother boat ride. The boat tour company also expanded their tours to offer not only 20 minute daytime tours, but also 40 minute evening, fireworks cruises. It has been years since my last boat ride on the Niagara River so I was quite happy with my friend’s offer to join her on this adventure. We went during the week to ensure that we wouldn’t be stuck in a long lineup, first to get our tickets and second, to get on the boat. We were lucky and our plan worked out….only two couples in front of us at the ticket booth!

After receiving the obligatory red poncho, we lined up, waiting to board the vessel. I would not recommend wearing your poncho too soon, especially on a hot day…you will be sweaty and uncomfortable. That was a good moment to start taking some photos of the Falls – both American and Canadian. The natural beauty of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls was overwhelming. I was able to take quite few photos during the first few minutes of our short journey, but the closer we got to the Horseshoe Falls, the harder it became to see anything, not to mention take photos! The mighty power of the falling water created a wind blowing effect, making it very hard to keep our ponchos below the height of our hips….you know what that means….our legs were drenched….and so were our faces, here is the proof…

After a couple of minutes of trying to admire the mighty Horseshoe Falls, the boat turned around and we were on our merry way back to the dock. The entire experience was fun and the view was spectacular but was it worth the money? Personally, I prefer the Journey Behind The Falls.

Journey Behind The Falls

This is yet another unique way to admire the Horseshoe Falls, this time from the tunnels and observation platforms (my favorite). You can spend more time taking photos and being amazed by the incredible view. You can really get a close-up view of the Falls during this self-guided tour, which takes approximately 45 minutes, but if you want to stay longer on the two platforms, nobody will tell you that you can’t!

Horseshoe Falls, Canada

The Falls look spectacular from both sides – American and Canadian. It is really worth seeing this wonder of nature whichever way you choose to do it.

Tips and additional information:

Do not wear long pants or dresses if you don’t wont them to get soaked

Protect your electronic equipment and cameras

Wearing flip flops is not recommended as you can slip easily when they get wet

Wear a footwear that won’t get damaged by water

If possible, plan to take the boat tour during the week instead of the weekend, to avoid the crowds and the lineups

On a hot day, don’t forget the sunscreen, a hat and a bottle of cold water also bringing a waterproof

Remember that the ticket price does not include the 13% HST tax

Tickets are available online, or from the ticket booths at the Hornblower Ticket Plaza in Niagara Falls Canada

10 thoughts on “Hornblower Cruises, Niagara Falls – Definitely the Way to Get Wet!”

The Maid of the Mist still services the American side. Horblower took over the Canadian side. Zip lining….NO, I have a fear of heights when in the open. The only Zip lining that I ever did was the mini one in Mexico, that was fun but that was about as high as I was comfortable going.
Grace

Great post, Grace, I feel like I’m there! I really enjoy your commentary and tips. It is great to see the boat tour from the other side – I used a wide shot of the hornblower boat in a post on my website http://failsafeisolation.com/choose-your-life-boat but I’ve never been. Thought about it enough, decades ago when I worked for a company with their HQ in Buffalo.
Thanks for reminding me, and getting me closer to actually getting wet!

You are very welcome Steve. Thank you for you comments. I am very happy that you enjoyed my article. By the way, funny how things works sometime, you used the photo of the boat and I wrote the article. Just to let you know, the American side is still being serviced by Maid of the Mist and Hornblower services Canadian site. Best wishes.
Grace

Hi Steve, thank you for your feedback. Yes, that was a lot of fun and I would strongly recommend both of the activities to you. I hope that falls are going to make it on your “been there, done that” list. Best wishes.

Susan, thank you for visiting my website. I am happy that you enjoyed this article. Falls are beautiful in every season of the year. I hope that you will have a chance to see them in person. Best wishes and safe travels!
Grace

This is definitely on my bucket list, however, I will have to really save up if I ever hope to get there! The Niagara Falls have always intrigued me and when I do make it the USA or Canada for a holiday these will be on my list of things to do. Thank you for the tips on how to best experience this unique natural wonder.

Thank you very much for your comment. I do hope that you will have a chance to spend your holiday in the Niagara Region. There is definitely a lot to see and do, and the Falls are beautiful regardless of the time of the year. Best wishes and wonderful travels!